My Review:

The High Priestess is the most newest release from this author and this is where we have the female mafia leader of the group get her story. And it won't be a story that you would actually expect which I found deeply refreshing in many ways. I actually loved the way in which this story was laid out. But man it was rough in parts. You will definitely want plenty of tissues as you dig deep into this book. Our heroine, is trying to keep her family safe from the Bratva, her father is being a danger with them and they are way stronger in numbers than they are. And when her family is slaughtered in front of her, her protector.....the man she shares a deep connection to....is vigilant and is her steady rock. But now she will need to be stronger than ever in order to take control of what she was raised to be, but there is a traitor. As she and her protector seek to gain control, a beautiful strong love bursts between them. A love between two people that are broken in pain from loss but find redemption within each other.

This won't be like any Michelle Heard you have read. Its definitely her writing style for sure, but you also see the way in which this was written it will create such a deep emotional storm that will be very overwhelming in so many ways. But what a intense wild ride this author delivers in many ways. I couldn't get enough and now I need the next book and NOW LOL 

 

This book was very different from the rest of the books in the series. In this book we have a various amount of journal entries and little snippets of what happens throughout the series. You will want to have read the previous books if you want to read this one. I will say make sure that you want to read this one here, if reading little journal entries of a different POV isn't for you, then you can easily move on from it if you want to. I have loved the journey that we see of Damien and Nikki and it was very fascinating to see their journey into this one here and seeing them find their way together through the various conflicts that they face together. This was my least favorite of the series though. I probably would have preferred if the author had this as a prequel and read it along with the series instead of it being at the very end of the series. But that is just my personal take on it. I would recommend reading this along with the books if you can.

 

 

So I ended up DNF this one. I just was not enjoying this heroine at all. She was very self absorbed and flighty lol So while its not a permanent DNF, its definitely a book I will need to be in a certain mood for to truly enjoy. But I did love the setting and hero seemed really cool. I liked that he didn't give her everything and stood up to her

 

 My Review:

What an incredible book and I believe its the finale as book 8 is a POV for Damien and I don't think it actually deals with their next chapter. I felt like this story really finished off so well and I just loved so much of this book. And honestly this book was the most addictive book that I have read in a very LONG while. I honestly wanted to call into sick to work so I could read it (anyone that knows me knows how out of character that actually is cause I am kinda silly in that I am a responsible adult lol) But man it was such a fierce temptation. Because every break I was jumping into this book. There is a lot that happens in this book. But the major jist of it is, Nikki and Damien are getting ready to celebrate redoing their vows but its ruined when its revealed that there is a long lost child and he is bitter and wants to destroy everything of what Damien has built.

This story was packed with so many reveals, secrets, hidden agendas and finally the justice of the villain of the series that I have been wanting so badly and J. Kenner really delivered on it. I loved how it all comes together with their son and seeing how Damien and Nikki truly just come together on it. Loved their unity. You see such deep heartbreak in this book but also beautiful healing that I need the son's book! So I wonder now if she wrote one yet. Overall I found this one to be such a keeper. 

 

This was a very short story. The author put tons of excerpts of other books into this one, so its really only 30 pages lol But it was still a fun story and it made me realize how much I have missed this world and reading this author, although I have read most of her books to date within her backlist. If you are looking for a quick fun sci fi romance, I recommend it. The hero saves the heroine, kidnaps her to his ship, they have some intimate times, and she decides to live with the Krinar lol but it had its swoony moments for sure that this author always delivers on. Definitely a keeper for sure.

 

 

Sanctum is a novella within the Masters and Mercenaries series. I really had wanted to read these books to catch up as the trilogy I am in the currently trying to read is connected to these books. So I am going to work as quickly as I can to catch up as I didn't realize they were so deeply connected to each other. Sanctum is a quick novella, this is a book that features a romance of reconnecting and misunderstandings on both sides of the aisle. I loved seeing both of them making mistakes, the type of mistakes that neither of them should have made. I actually understood both sides and that both just needed to come to terms with the truth and learn to forgive. There didn't need to be a big grovel or anything, which was really refreshing. Sometimes you don't need one. (I know I know how DARE I say such scandalous things...but its no less true haha )

 

 My Review:

The Light Within is a novella....but really a very short story of 20 pages and its a story story that is basically a HEA type of feel to it. Just like an extended epilogue of the first book. This was just adorable. It gave me all the happy feels for this couple. I loved seeing them all happy together, having a bit of a camping trip visiting his relatives and just enjoying their honeymoon phase. It just delivered so many happy moments and curled my toes in delight while reading. If you loved the first book or this series and have yet to read these books, I recommend these here. 

 My Review:

Lady Be Good is the second book in the "Wynette Texas" series and this one is where we get the story of Kenny Treveler. We saw the hero briefly in the first book of the series "Fancy Pants" and I was curious to see how his story would be developed. I enjoyed it way more than I did the first book. The romance was definitely way stronger in this one here and the dynamic between Kenny and Emma was purely delightful. I loved that the heroine and hero had a class difference. Emma is a fine lady from England, she is trying to escape a marriage with a man who is holding her girls school from her. She has devised a plan to turn off his interest....but she will need a partner for her adventures in Texas. While Kenny and Emma go on a journey throughout Texas of Emma trying new things, there is a love that is building between them.

This was such a interesting story and I was all behind it. The audio was pretty decent. I really enjoy how the accents are done in this one. They aren't too heavy which is very refreshing. The slight angst and banter in this one was just delightful to read. Their interactions was so entertaining but deeply layered all at once. Definitely a keeper for the library. 

 

This is a well done guide to this series. So if you are interested in reading this series or would like a retoucher on it, I recommend it. I am planning on rereading this series soon as the later books in the series I never read but its been over ten years since I read the books I have read. For each book, it has a character background, blurb, teaser chapter and some unique facts about each book to prep you for it. I do wish more authors would do these guides.

 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Dead of Winter is the first book in the newest series by Rebecca Zanetti. I was really excited to see her get back to just some regular romantic suspense (not that I have an issue with her thrillers, but I need more romance in my books lol ). The Knife's Edge Alaska series is a series about 4 brothers, and seeing them each get a book. These men are tortured with military and secret ops backgrounds, and I was intrigued to see how this story would be handled. I will be honest, I just jumped into this one, I didn't even read the blurb. And I was okay with that lol The author really brings likeable characters into the story very quickly so that you become invested in their story. I found the danger elements mixed with the romance to be a true win here.

First Line
A brutal sun cut across the icy Alaskan landscape with a defiant glare, brightening instead of warming the frozen runway outside.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Brock Osprey
The Heroine: Aphelia Spilazi

Summary
Ophelia has come to the wilderness of Alaska to investigate a murder, a close friend of her boss. She runs into the Osprey brothers, specifically, Brock, who is the assumed Sheriff of the area, although he is constantly denying the title. The Osprey brothers are at the top of her list, as they are the boys that were fostered with the man who was murdered. But she is drawn to Brock, who is her escort of sorts. When she arrives, there are a string of mysterious deaths that seem connected and she is determined to make sense of what is happening while also trying to make sense of her chemistry with the sexy Osprey brother. Brock is alpha, possessive and commanding. And even though Ophelia can take care of herself, she is drawn to that strength and presence. But Ophelia and Brock will need to work together to find who the killer is...

What I Loved
This book was wild, rugged, sexy and plain fun!!! Rebecca Zanetti definitely delivered on this one. I am more used to read her through audio though, and so that might have been why I didn't connect with this story as I normally do. Her romantic suspense can be more suspense than romance sometimes though. But what we received from the romance was really wonderful. I loved the chemistry between Brock and Ophelia, and we see how well they get along here. I was so easily drawn into their love story. And surprisingly I enjoyed Ophelia's character very much despite her kick ass nature. I loved her vulnerability that is showcased in the story and you see her drive and determination but I also liked how she responded to Brock in many ways. Brock was the epitome of the perfect hero. I love a good alpha male and Zanetti writes them so deliciously. All of these brothers I am so eager for because they are full of mystery and I can't wait to see what evolves in their stories. The banter in this book was edgy and fun and evoked bursts of laughter constantly. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and if you love Alaska for a setting, then I highly recommend this one here.

What I Struggled With
The pacing of this book wasn't the best at times. Some of her suspense can be hard sometimes. I also wish the romance had been a bit more focused if I am being honest. I felt like the suspense plot was a bit more focused and I would have liked some more relationship focus as it felt a bit lacking at times in parts. This wasn't an issue I had, but some readers might struggle with the lack of number of spice in this book. So keep in mind its not as heavy as some of her other romances and is closer to the level she had in her thrillers.

Overall View
Dead of Winter is an edgy story to keep your toes curled from beginning to end with thrills, passion and laughter!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Alpha Hero and Heroine, Kick Ass, Law Enforcement
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Laughs/Giggles, Family Saga, Band of Brothers
Tropes: Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both but more plot conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Pamela Clare
Melinda Leigh
Anna Hackett

Song This Book Inspires
True Colors-Glee Cast

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say its probably best to read these books in order

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.